Belvedere, Fathom Park, Fathom Line, Newry, Co Armagh

The Belvedere is a large and impressive three-stage octagonal belvedere, likely dating from between 1760 and 1779, situated on a hillside within Fathom Park, overlooking the Clanrye valley. It is associated with Fathom House, located a short distance to the northeast (HB16/13/005).

The belvedere is positioned in Benson’s Glen at the east side of Fathom Park, and features a bowed stairwell on the southwest side. The roof is now absent, but remnants of a crenellated parapet remain. The walls are constructed of random rubble and cut stone. The octagonal section has openings on six sides at the first stage: two doors and four windows. To the right of the stairwell door is a remnant of a windbreak wall, and all openings are topped with granite lintels. The second stage contains eight window openings, while the third stage has nine. The stairwell incorporates two narrow window openings between each floor. A partial arched opening on the right side of the stairwell is formed from irregular granite stones, revealing the underside of the granite stairs. At ground level, within this arch, is a small, lintelled opening of unknown function.

The structure was documented as a "tower" on a map from 1835 and as a "tower in ruins" on a map of 1861. It holds local historical interest. Primary documentation includes the first and second edition Ordnance Survey maps for County Armagh sheet 29 (1835 and 1861, respectively), held at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). Additional details are found in C.E.B. Brett’s 1999 publication, Buildings of County Armagh. The belvedere is currently used as a garden feature and is recorded as derelict, representing both a notable architectural style and a significant monument within its setting.